Investigating smartphone tracking apps for IBS

Keeping track of one’s diet is a commonly recommended practice for people with IBS. This is thought to help identify foods that can trigger IBS symptoms. However, it is unknown what role smartphone food-tracking apps can play in this process.

Participants will complete a 30-minute study session in person or over Zoom. At this session, you will complete a baseline questionnaire covering your physical and emotional well-being. You will then download a food tracking app to use daily for the next four weeks.

You will be emailed a link to an online follow-up questionnaire two weeks and four weeks after your study session. This will ask about your experience of using the app, any symptoms you have experienced, and your broader well-being. The questionnaire should take 20 minutes to complete.

After the four week timepoint you can stop using the app but will still be emailed a final follow-up questionnaire at the six month mark to see if there have been any lasting changes.

Participants will be given a year's access to the premium version of the tracking app and will go in the draw to win one of ten $100 Prezzy cards.

Participants must:

• Have been diagnosed with IBS, or meet the symptom criteria for IBS
• Have not used a food or symptom tracker in the last year
• Have a smartphone
• Be aged between 18 and 65 years old
• Be able to read and write in English

Grace Lyon
Student researcher 
Email: glyo697@aucklanduni.ac.nz

Dr Kate MacKrill
Principal Investigator: 
Email: k.mackrill@auckland.ac.nz